Each of the first four tracks on the 11-song record have shiver-inducing moments where the gear shifts and Ike just starts going for it. Big moments aren’t unusual singer/songwriter work (see: Adele, Damien Rice, Glen Hansard, etc.), but the way that Ike does big moments is. “Ever Stay” is a moody, ruminating track full of swooping cello and left-hand punch that gets kicked up a gear via an instrumental bridge where percussion and wordless, occasionally ululating vocals throw the song into overdrive. Ike’s vocals there and in the final chorus are strong.

“By the Fire” starts off as a quiet singer/songwriter ballad which is again amped up by percussion, left-hand groove, and Ike’s roaring vocals. But that doesn’t hold a candle to the wild, stomping, furious 1:37 of “You Betta,” which is one of the most punchy, unexpected, excited bits of un-genre-able music I’ve heard in a while. The gospel choir involved here is ace. “Last Time” is a kiss-off song that fans of Adele and/or fans of a big pop ballad crescendo will love.

Those four songs set the tone for the rest of the record, which mixes in some of those vibes amid a collection of strong piano-pop/singer-songwriter work. “Give a Little” is a description of an icy relationship set to a Parisian cafe tune, complete with accordion; “I Don’t Know Anything” is a solid, straight-down-the-middle singer/songwriter tune. “Walk” is a moving song sonically and lyrically, featuring a reappearance of the gospel choir in a more traditional role. If you like your singer/songwriters with some groove and punch, Joy Ike’s Bigger than Your Box will give you a lot to chew on.